US5769546A - Crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5769546A
US5769546A US08/726,420 US72642096A US5769546A US 5769546 A US5769546 A US 5769546A US 72642096 A US72642096 A US 72642096A US 5769546 A US5769546 A US 5769546A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bearing
sections
crankshaft
inserts
bolts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/726,420
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Johannes Wuest
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Original Assignee
Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG filed Critical Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Assigned to DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AG reassignment DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WUEST, JOHANNES
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5769546A publication Critical patent/US5769546A/en
Assigned to DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (COMPANY NUMBER 722287) reassignment DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (COMPANY NUMBER 722287) MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (COMPANY NUMBER 5211)
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02F—CYLINDERS, PISTONS OR CASINGS, FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES; ARRANGEMENTS OF SEALINGS IN COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02F7/00—Casings, e.g. crankcases or frames
    • F02F7/0043—Arrangements of mechanical drive elements
    • F02F7/0053—Crankshaft bearings fitted in the crankcase
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C9/00—Bearings for crankshafts or connecting-rods; Attachment of connecting-rods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C35/00—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers
    • F16C35/02—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers in the case of sliding-contact bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C9/00—Bearings for crankshafts or connecting-rods; Attachment of connecting-rods
    • F16C9/02—Crankshaft bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02F—CYLINDERS, PISTONS OR CASINGS, FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES; ARRANGEMENTS OF SEALINGS IN COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02F2200/00—Manufacturing
    • F02F2200/06—Casting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05C—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MATERIALS, MATERIAL PROPERTIES OR MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR MACHINES, ENGINES OR PUMPS OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F05C2201/00—Metals
    • F05C2201/04—Heavy metals
    • F05C2201/0433—Iron group; Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel
    • F05C2201/0436—Iron
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C17/00—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C17/26—Systems consisting of a plurality of sliding-contact bearings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine and, more particularly, to a crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine with two bearing sections cast from a light metal alloy and connected together by bearing bolts.
  • Each bearing section receives an insert made of a ferrometallic material.
  • the inserts abut one another and each have a part of bearing bore formed in it.
  • crankshaft bearing of the above-mentioned type for an internal combustion engine is known, for example, from German patent document DE 34 26 208 C1 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,216).
  • the crankshaft bearing described therein consists of a crankcase and a bearing cap.
  • the crankcase and bearing cap consist of a light metal or a light-metal alloy, with a ferrometallic core being integrated at least into the bearing cap. This core is embedded in the light metal or light metal alloy in a casting process when the bearing cap is manufactured.
  • the bearing cap can also be part of a bracket reinforcing the crankcase, that includes several bearing caps and is likewise made of light metal or a light metal alloy, especially by casting.
  • the ferrometallic core in the bearing cap has two bushings that receive the bearing bolts between which a cross part extends, in which one half of the bearing bore for a crankshaft pin is formed.
  • the bearing bolt connection thus rests directly on the bushings of the ferrometallic core.
  • the goal of the invention is to improve a crankshaft bearing according to the above-species in such fashion that a high strength connection between the ferromagnetic core, i.e. the insert, and the light metal alloy receiving the insert (casting) is ensured, while a high rigidity of the entire crankshaft bearing, with a low weight, is guaranteed. Moreover, uniform expansion of the bearing bore in all directions and under all operating conditions is ensured.
  • crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine with two bearing sections cast from a light metal alloy and connected together by bearing bolts.
  • Each bearing section receives an insert made of a ferrometallic material.
  • the inserts abut one another and each have a part of a bearing bore formed in it.
  • the inserts consist of shaped parts with openings and thickenings.
  • the inserts have a semicircular carrier that surrounds the respective part of the bearing bore.
  • the inserts are traversed by bearing bolts.
  • the bearing bolts abut an outer bolt surface of the bearing section on one side, and are bolted into the opposite bearing section on the other side.
  • the inserts By designing the inserts as shaped, molded parts with openings and thickenings, a high-strength connection with a surrounding casting (light metal alloy) of the crankshaft bearing or the respective bearing sections is ensured.
  • the design of a semicircular support surrounding part of the bearing bore ensures uniform expansion behavior and guarantees a high degree of bearing roundness under all operating conditions.
  • High rigidity of the overall connection with simultaneous low weight is achieved if the inserts are traversed by the bearing bolts and these bolts firstly abut an outer bolt surface of the bearing section (casting) arid, secondly, are bolted into the opposite bearing section.
  • the inserts then have their ends abutting one another, so that they are tensioned directly against one another in the bolted state. In this way, the operating forces can be accepted advantageously and transmitted.
  • the high strength of the connection between the insert and the surrounding light metal alloy and the shape of the inserts ensures safe transmission of the operating forces into the crankcase, although there is no inner connection between the ferrometallic material of the insert and the light metal alloy in which it is embedded.
  • the design of the semicircular carrier and the additional shaping of the insert ensures that the gaps between the ferrometallic insert and the surrounding light metal alloy are subjected almost exclusively to pressure loads.
  • a high degree of bearing roundness and uniform expansion of the bearing bore or insert are ensured when the insert has at least partially an approximately T-shaped cross section, with the semicircular carrier forming the cross piece.
  • the strength of the connection between the ferrometallic insert and the light metal alloy receiving the insert is additionally improved to a significant degree if the inserts have a thickened portion that runs at a distance from the carrier.
  • Another improved meshing effect of the structural elements is achieved when at least some of the openings in the insert are located between the carrier and the thickened section.
  • connection between the insert and the light metal alloy can be further advantageously improved if the insert is provided with a toothed profile on at least two opposite outer sides.
  • the base-shaped sections that are traversed by the bearing bolts advantageously have faces that extend perpendicularly with respect to the bolting direction, in order to ensure directed guidance of the bolting forces and to prevent shifting forces between the two structural elements.
  • the insert consists of a ferromagnetic material, cast iron for example, forged steel, or sintered steel.
  • the insert is placed in a crucible in the unmachined state and cast with a light metal or light metal alloy around it.
  • the insert is not surrounded by the casting in all areas after its final processing, and in particular, the semicircular carriers are exposed at their ends.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partial top view of one half of a bearing frame with a plurality of bearing sections
  • FIG. 2 is a lengthwise section view through the bearing frame taken along line II--II in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-section through two bearing sections joined with one another and forming a bearing location
  • FIG. 4 is a view of an insert
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the insert looking in the direction of arrow V in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross section through the insert along line VI--VI according to FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the second insert
  • FIG. 8 is a top view of the second insert looking in the direction of arrow VIII in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross section through the second insert along line IX--IX in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a view of a variation on the first insert.
  • FIG. 11 is a view of a modification of the second insertion point.
  • the crankshaft bearing shown in the embodiment described herein, but without being limited to this embodiment only, consists of two bearing brackets joined to one another with a plurality of bearing sections that are inserted into the crankcase of an internal combustion engine.
  • Each bearing bracket 1 consists of a plurality of bearing sections 2, 3 arranged sequentially, into each of which one half of a bearing bore 4 is formed. In the assembled state, each bearing bore 4 accepts a crank pin of the crankshaft (not shown).
  • the connection of bearing sections 2, 3 and hence the two bearing brackets is effected by bearing bolts 5, 6 located in bores 7,8.
  • Each bearing section 2, 3 comprises an integrated insert 9, 10 made of a ferrometallic material, embedded in a casting part 11, 12 made of a light metal alloy, which forms the respective bearing section and the respective bearing bracket 1.
  • Inserts 9, 10 each consist of a semicircular carrier 13, 14 in which the respective part of the bearing bore 4 is formed. From these carriers 13, 14, a rib 15, 16 of reduced thickness extends radially outward. The rib has a thickened portion 17, 18 at its radially outer end.
  • Rib 16 in this embodiment has two openings 19 which are filled after casting with light metal alloy.
  • Insert 10 also has two base-shaped sections 20, 21 extending from carrier 14. Between the two bore-shaped sections 20, 21, a bearing bore 4 is located. The base-shaped section 20, 21 serve to receive bearing bolts 5, 6 or to allow them to pass through the sections. These base-shaped sections 20, 21 extend up to the face 22 of the insert 10.
  • Insert 9 has two projections 23, 24 extending radially from carrier 13.
  • the projections 23, 24 are traversed by the bearing bolts 5, 6 and extend in the vicinity of face 25. These projections 23, 24 make it possible to produce beveled lateral surfaces that result in an improved connection or meshing with the casting.
  • An opening 26 made in the form of an elongated hole is formed in rib 15.
  • Insert 9 is also provided with an oil hole 27.
  • the oil hole 27 extends radially and terminates at one end in the circumferential surface of the bearing bore 4 and, at the opposite end area, continues in casting 11 of the bearing section. This oil hole 27 serves to supply the bearing with lubricant.
  • Bearing bolts 5, 6 are arranged so that a bearing section 3 is completely traversed, with bolt heads 28, 29 abutting an outer bolt surface 30, 31 of casting 12 of this bearing section 3.
  • the bearing bolts 5, 6 thus traverse the insert 10 in the vicinity of the base-shaped sections 20, 21 and extensions 23, 24 of insert 9 and are bolted in a blind hole bore 33, 34, forming the end of the bearing bore, in casting 11 of the opposite bearing section 2.
  • the bearing sections are designed so that the ends of the semicircular carriers are exposed, in other words, the width b of the semicircular carriers corresponds to the bearing width B of the respective bearing sections.
  • the ribs abutting the semicircular carriers have a limited width and make a transition to the thickened sections with a width d.
  • the ribs and the thickened sections are each arranged approximately centrally relative to bearing width B and are embedded completely in the casting.
  • the base-shaped sections 20A, 21A are provided with a toothed profile 36, 37 on their exteriors 34, 35.
  • This toothed profile 36, 37 is made wave-shaped in the embodiment shown, but another shape, such as a sawtooth profile or a rectangular toothing, is readily possible.
  • Inserts 9A and 10A also differ in the number and arrangement of the openings. Other modifications are possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Shafts, Cranks, Connecting Bars, And Related Bearings (AREA)
US08/726,420 1995-10-06 1996-10-07 Crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine Expired - Fee Related US5769546A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19537191A DE19537191A1 (de) 1995-10-06 1995-10-06 Kurbelwellenlagerung für eine Brennkraftmaschine
DE19537191.7 1995-10-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5769546A true US5769546A (en) 1998-06-23

Family

ID=7774150

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/726,420 Expired - Fee Related US5769546A (en) 1995-10-06 1996-10-07 Crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5769546A (ko)
EP (2) EP1013948A3 (ko)
JP (1) JP3939788B2 (ko)
KR (1) KR100404554B1 (ko)
DE (2) DE19537191A1 (ko)
ES (1) ES2164201T3 (ko)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040017956A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-29 Makoto Nakamura Crankshaft supporter
DE10352034A1 (de) * 2003-11-07 2005-06-09 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Geteiltes Lager
CN100567722C (zh) * 2003-05-28 2009-12-09 伯哈特国家石油公司 发动机曲轴箱的下壳体
GB2541014A (en) * 2015-08-06 2017-02-08 Gm Global Tech Operations Llc Internal combustion engine element arrangement
US10267352B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2019-04-23 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Bearing cap of internal combustion engine
US10859117B2 (en) * 2017-03-09 2020-12-08 Gkn Sinter Metals, Llc Method of forming a powder metal insert having a horizontal through hole

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6076971A (en) * 1997-07-01 2000-06-20 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Engine block bearing saddle reinforcing inserts
DK0945633T3 (da) * 1998-03-25 2004-06-01 Waertsilae Nsd Schweiz Ag Leje til en krumtapaksel samt fremgangsmåde til montering af et sådant leje
DE19826460C2 (de) * 1998-06-13 2002-01-17 Man B & W Diesel As Kopenhagen Lageranordnung
DE19907661A1 (de) * 1999-02-23 2000-08-24 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Kurbelwellenlager-Anordnung in einem Kurbelgehäuse einer Hubkolbenmaschine, insbesondere Brennkraftmaschine
DE19949965B4 (de) * 1999-10-16 2011-03-17 Volkswagen Ag Verstärkungsteil für Kurbelwellenlagerstuhl eines Kurbelgehäuses
DE60126629T2 (de) 2001-12-21 2007-11-22 Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn Hauptlagerdeckel für eine Brennkraftmaschine
DE10205798A1 (de) * 2002-02-13 2003-09-04 Federal Mogul Wiesbaden Gmbh Einsatzteil in ein Ober-und/oder Unterteil oder eine Versteifungsrippe eines Lagerstuhls
DE102005031038A1 (de) * 2005-07-02 2007-01-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Geteilte Lageranordnung
DE102006043421A1 (de) * 2006-04-07 2007-10-18 Ks Aluminium-Technologie Ag Gebautes Kurbelgehäuse
DE102006033329B4 (de) * 2006-07-19 2011-01-05 Audi Ag Kurbelwellenlager einer Brennkraftmaschine
FR2939854B1 (fr) * 2008-12-17 2011-12-09 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Moteur a combustion interne a vilebrequin sur roulements
JP5884266B2 (ja) * 2010-12-27 2016-03-15 日産自動車株式会社 ベアリングキャップ及びラダーフレーム
WO2013094320A1 (ja) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 日産自動車株式会社 内燃機関の鋳物部品，ベアリングキャップ及びその製造方法

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4693216A (en) * 1984-07-17 1987-09-15 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Crankshaft bearings for internal-combustion engines

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1764672A (en) * 1926-12-07 1930-06-17 Austin Herbert Crank-shaft bearing
JPS6320847Y2 (ko) * 1980-04-21 1988-06-09
JPH027211Y2 (ko) * 1985-06-03 1990-02-21
JPH01268843A (ja) * 1988-04-19 1989-10-26 Mazda Motor Corp エンジンのクランクシャフト軸受

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4693216A (en) * 1984-07-17 1987-09-15 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Crankshaft bearings for internal-combustion engines

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040017956A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-29 Makoto Nakamura Crankshaft supporter
US6942391B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2005-09-13 Suzuki Motor Corporation Crankshaft supporter
CN100567722C (zh) * 2003-05-28 2009-12-09 伯哈特国家石油公司 发动机曲轴箱的下壳体
DE10352034A1 (de) * 2003-11-07 2005-06-09 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Geteiltes Lager
US10267352B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2019-04-23 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Bearing cap of internal combustion engine
GB2541014A (en) * 2015-08-06 2017-02-08 Gm Global Tech Operations Llc Internal combustion engine element arrangement
US10859117B2 (en) * 2017-03-09 2020-12-08 Gkn Sinter Metals, Llc Method of forming a powder metal insert having a horizontal through hole
US11434955B2 (en) 2017-03-09 2022-09-06 Gkn Sinter Metals, Llc Method of forming a powder metal insert having a horizontal through hole and method of casting same into an engine component

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0767315A3 (de) 1997-10-08
EP1013948A2 (de) 2000-06-28
JP3939788B2 (ja) 2007-07-04
DE19537191A1 (de) 1997-04-10
DE59608308D1 (de) 2002-01-10
ES2164201T3 (es) 2002-02-16
EP1013948A3 (de) 2000-07-19
KR100404554B1 (ko) 2004-04-14
JPH09126223A (ja) 1997-05-13
KR970021802A (ko) 1997-05-28
EP0767315B1 (de) 2001-11-28
EP0767315A2 (de) 1997-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5769546A (en) Crankshaft bearing for an internal combustion engine
US4693216A (en) Crankshaft bearings for internal-combustion engines
US6279456B1 (en) Piston
US4761870A (en) Method for making a camshaft
DE3518721C2 (ko)
US5716145A (en) Process for fracture separating the bearing cover of a multi-part bearing arrangement, particularly, in crankcases of internal-combustion engines
US20170241471A1 (en) Composite vehicle shaft assembly
EP0145393B1 (en) The reinforcement of engine blocks
US20080092691A1 (en) Crank Mechanism
EP0643216B1 (de) Kurbelwellenlager
US20170241299A1 (en) Powertrain shaft assembly with core plug and method of manufacturing a shaft assembly
US4015485A (en) Crank shaft for a multi-cylinder short stroke internal combustion engine
US5014572A (en) Assembled crankshaft
CA1294154C (en) Cast shafts, particularly camshafts
US3166992A (en) Engine block
US5711614A (en) Crankshaft bearing of a multicylinder internal combustion engine
US5197188A (en) Process for producing assembled crankshafts by expanding sleeves arranged in divided journals
KR950013205B1 (ko) 엔진의 실린더 블록의 제조방법
US7077096B2 (en) Multi-cylinder engine
CA2096858A1 (en) Seal assembly
US4833977A (en) Piston for internal combustion engine
EP0771944A1 (de) Gehäuse für eine Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine
US6244238B1 (en) Crankcase for a multiple cylinder engine
US12044270B2 (en) Lightweight nodular iron crankshaft for heavy duty engine
EP2553279B1 (en) Hollow crankshaft for ic engines

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AG, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WUEST, JOHANNES;REEL/FRAME:008358/0597

Effective date: 19961008

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (COMPAN

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (COMPANY NUMBER 5211);REEL/FRAME:021040/0147

Effective date: 20071113

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20100623